Nelson Mandela dies at age 95

7:34 PM,
Dec. 5, 2013

FILE - In this July 23, 1998 file photo, South African President Nelson Mandela greets a crowd outside the National Congress building in Buenos Aires, Argentina, as he arrives for a meeting of the four-nation South American Common Market, or Mercosur. South Africa's president Jacob Zuma says, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013, that Mandela has died. He was 95. (AP Photo/Daniel Muzio, File)

Written by

CHRISTOPHER TORCHIA
MARCUS ELIASON

Nelson Mandela, who became one of the world's most beloved statesmen and a colossus of the 20th century when he emerged from 27 years in prison to negotiate an end to white minority rule in South Africa, has died. He was 95.

South African President Jacob Zuma made the announcement at a news conference late Thursday, saying "we've lost our greatest son."

His death closed the final chapter in South Africa's struggle to cast off apartheid, leaving the world with indelible memories of a man of astonishing grace and good humor. Rock concerts celebrated his birthday. Hollywood stars glorified him on ...